Friday, June 29, 2012

When I saw beachy chic as Friday's Fancies theme, I knew I had to participate! A lot of my outfits tend to go to the casual side in the summertime. Think flats, easy shorts to pull on and comfy tops. Perfect for a cook out with friends or a casual dinner on the waterfront. Living at the beach is supposed to be relaxed and fun, and this outfit reflects that. Add a little jewelry for a glam touch and you are ready to go!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

I don't know about you but, the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Things are already starting to come together for some simple home decorations, which gets me particularly excited about this American holiday. I pulled together a little inspiration to get you in the mood as well.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Living in a coastal town we are busy non-stop during the summer time and it is hard to pull ourselves away from the day to day grind, so a weekend away was just what we needed! We started off Friday afternoon relaxing on the porch overlooking the Biltmore Forest Golf Course.

And enjoyed dinner later that evening at the Club on the porch as well...

The next day was bliss...we got in some great exercise in the morning a la Pure Barre from my sister, had a late breakfast at Panera, and shopped and lunched. My perfect day! That night we had dinner at the Biltmore Inn on the Estate, night one of my Grandma's birthday celebration.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

I love hearing what other ladies are cooking up for themselves and their families and learning what works, what didn't taste that great, and the little tips that are must tries. Especially, things that are thrown together after work or at the end of the day when you are short on time. I haven't gotten to do a ton of cooking lately because I have been tied up at work, and when it comes down to dinner time and stopping by the grocery store, my mind goes blank! I planned ahead a few nights last week and got to try a few new things out. Here's what was cooking in our house....

Night 1: What's Cooking?

BLACK BEAN TACOS WITH AVOCADO SALSA

This recipe came from Williams Sonoma's new cookbook, Weeknights Fresh + Fast. I would say that these were a whole lot of work (not so fast) but were definitely fresh. I think I could simplify the recipe next time and it would be just as good. Find the recipe here.

However, the avocado salsa that accompanies the taco was amazing. I will be using this as my fresh salsa recipe from now on. Not too complicated, just a little chopping!

Night 2: What's Cooking?

GRILLED CHICKEN SALAD AND GRILLED CHEESY AVOCADOS

Still utilizing our fresh veggies straight from the garden: yum, yum, yum. We seasoned the chicken and grilled it, to top the salad along with some homemade ranch dressing.

Chances are you have never had a grilled avocado. Me either until last week. April shared hers and since I pretty much love anything with an avocado {could ya tell?!?}, I wanted to give these a shot. Saying they were one of the tastiest versions of avocados I have ever put in my mouth doesn't do it justice but you will have to trust me. We topped ours with Texas Pete and Cheddar Cheese, and followed this recipe.

So there's a few dinner ideas straight from our house. I also cooked this Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake for dinner last night which was wonderful. If you need a go-to casserole that is healthy and easy, try it!

We had the best time this weekend in the Mountains, it was insanely beautiful there.

Friday, June 22, 2012

We are in Raleigh already and headed west to Asheville, NC for the next several days. I am hoping to escape extreme heat (fingers crossed), shop lots, and enjoy great times with my fam. On top of that, we are celebrating my Grandma's 90th birthday!! We are all so excited to celebrate such a remarkable birthday. Visiting the mountains in the middle of summer is the perfect escape too!

And if you are curious like me, you can check my instagram feed between now and then. If you haven't already, find me at missdixie30. I would love to follow back!

Thursday, June 21, 2012

In honor of one of my favorite seasons just beginning, I wanted to share some images of beach homes that I think we all would like to stay in. What makes a perfect beach house to you? I think I just created my dream home!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Last night, I finished reading the gorgeous June issue of House Beautiful. Read it yet? It was full, and I mean full of eye candy. It was brought to my attention I had not checked out their pinterest page yet...I quickly did so and loved this page, full of top designer quotes.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Morning y'all! Is everyone ready for a brand new start of the week? I am!

Here's a little weekend recap for ya...

Friday night we celebrated Father's Day with my parents at one of our very favorite restaurants, City Kitchen. I got to wear one of my favorite Amanda Uprichard dresses, seriously love the wrap style of this one! A really flattering fit and comfortable, which is so nice.

My sweet parents.

One of my Dad's gifts I wrapped. I love wrapping presents with a little something extra. I found these bow ties at World Market that slide on to a wine bottle, but I tied them on to the bow. So cute! Find them here.

Saturday, we celebrated one of our friends birthday out on the boat. Our whole gang was there, it was a blast!

Sunday, we ventured out again on the boat. Even though we live at the beach, it is rare when we spend all weekend out on the water. The dogs had a time getting to run around all afternoon on Sunday. Dixie even got to be leash free for part of the afternoon {she is too fast to catch so she is usually attached to us for good reason!}

I hope everyone got to celebrate Fathers Day with the important fathers in their lives. I don't know where I'd be with out my Daddy, he is a wonderful man! Love you Dad!

I'm a wife and momma to two children, living on the gorgeous coast of North Carolina. It won't take you long to find I am busy creating our dream house- one day at a time, picking flowers from the yard to be put on a busy dinner table, sharing my latest favorite recipe, being as fashionable as a Mom can be (yoga pants x 7 days a week) and obsessing over blue and white. Lucky to be a retail merchandiser at an adorable shop. In my spare time I am the occasional artist. Welcome!